Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I still think we need uniformity and fairness across institutions in this. Are we really saying it is okay to tell students who are unable to leave their home or who are a close contact that they will have to repeat an exam in August? This will not only result in the punishing of students who follow public health guidance but incentivise some in not adhering to public health advice. I am concerned about that. Too often the response has been reactive rather than proactive.

Students are also being asked to submit medical certificates, costing up to €50. They may be doing exams on 23 December in a hall but have vulnerable parents or other people at home. They deserve a Christmas as well. They may be two hours or more in a hall with many other students, putting themselves at risk. Having windows and doors open is not conducive to doing exams. I ask the Minister to please look at this again because it is causing heightened anxiety among students and their families.

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